President Xi arrives in Hamburg for G20 summit

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Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the German city of Hamburg on Thursday, ahead of the two-day G20 summit.

The 12th meeting of the Group of 20 will be held on Friday and Saturday, with free trade and climate change topping the agenda.

The summit is also expected to focus on issues including global economic growth, trade, the spread of digital technology and Africa's development.

In a signed article published in the German press on Tuesday, President Xi said China hopes that the G20 members will continue to champion the building of an open world economy.

Xi arrived in Berlin on Tuesday for his second state visit to Germany, aiming to cement ties with the European country.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) holds talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin, capital of Germany, July 5, 2017. /Xinhua Photo‍

During his stay in Berlin, Xi met with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and held talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The Chinese president then attended the official opening ceremony of the Panda Garden at Berlin Zoo for Meng Meng and Jiao Qing, two gift pandas sent to Germany on a 15-year conservation and breeding program.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Angela Merkel attend the opening ceremony of the Panda Garden at Berlin Zoo on July 5, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

Later in the day, also accompanied by Merkel, Xi watched a football match between Chinese and German youth teams.

China is willing to push for all-round football cooperation with Germany, said Xi, adding that with joint efforts, the two countries will harvest more fruits from the cooperation.

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